Radio Engineering Industries Inc. (REI) offers a new high-resolution stop-arm camera that captures the license plate information of motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses.

The camera’s exclusive day/night setting makes it unique, according to the company, as this feature automatically detects the amount of light and switches settings for optimum viewing of the license plate. The camera also has a built-in heater and is weatherproof, and its cast aluminum housing makes it durable.

REI recommends integrating the stop-arm camera with the company’s BUS-WATCH mobile video surveillance system and A.R.M.O.R.-VMS software solution in order to capture and record the stop-arm violation information for future reference.

By utilizing A.R.M.O.R.-VMS, users can set safety alerts to capture violators. Officials say that the software provides user-friendly tools to download and share violator information, such as license plate, car color, make and model, and passenger description. Radio Engineering Industries Inc.

ATS and AngelTrax have partnered on an innovative solution that can capture illegal school bus passing events and process citations — all automatically.

System automates stop-arm detection, citations

American Traffic Solutions (ATS) and AngelTrax have formed a strategic alliance that aims to reduce injuries and fatalities from illegal school bus passing.

The alliance brings together ATS, which provides road safety camera solutions, with AngelTrax, which provides mobile surveillance technology for school buses and other industries.

Officials say that the partnership will enable both companies to leverage core strengths to produce a robust, high-quality product specifically designed to reduce school bus stop-arm running.

Officials say that everything from violation detection and capture to citation processing can be done automatically with the ATS/AngelTrax system. It automatically detects when a driver illegally passes the bus, and the event is marked and stored on the hard drive. The footage can also be wirelessly transferred (depending on the setup of the unit) and processed automatically using ATS’ back-end CrossingGuard system. AngelTraxAmerican Traffic Solutions

With a 16mm lens, the CHW HD can capture license plates across a wide field of view.

The stop-arm solution allows users to simultaneously view up to four internal and up to three external cameras with a selected audio channel, GPS map with vehicle location and sensor data. Users can locate, retrieve, view, save and share any captured video data.

Company officials say that with its precisely mounted digital cameras and high-quality equipment, the Fortress Mobile stop-arm solution captures not only the bus-passing violation, but also the vehicle’s license plate, identifying characteristics and driver.

The system offers internal as well as external cameras, so users can view students inside the bus and stop-arm violations outside of the bus from the same playback software.

Redflex Traffic Systems has introduced a product to the school bus market, REDFLEX Student Guardian, that captures images and video of motorists who pass stopped buses as children are boarding or disembarking.

Student Guardian’s camera system is installed on the front and rear driver’s side of a school bus. It monitors traffic while the bus’ stop arm is displayed, leaving the bus driver free to focus on students.

Data supporting possible violations, including high-definition video and high-resolution images of license plates and drivers, are submitted to local law enforcement to determine whether a citation is warranted.

Company officials say that there is no upfront capital investment for Student Guardian — the program is fully funded by violations.Redflex Traffic Systems

The Driver Alert sign provides dual safety messages to alert traffic when the bus is stopping or stopped.

Another deterrent for stop-arm running

SMI’s Driver Alert device works in conjunction with the warning-light system on a school bus, providing dual safety messages to alert traffic when the bus is stopping or stopped.

Company officials say that the illuminating sign — which is positioned on the rear of the bus — can reduce stop-arm running and prevent rear-end accidents at bus stops as well as at railroad crossings.

When the bus activates its amber lights, the Driver Alert alternately flashes the words “Caution” and “Stopping.” When the bus’ red lights and stop arm are activated, “Stop” and “Do Not Pass” alternately flash.

“Caution” and “Stopping” also flash together when the hazard lights are activated at railroad crossings, and “Caution” flashes when the Driver Alert is incorporated into the bus’ back-up warning system.

The unit features a high-visibility LED display. It is easy to install, low maintenance, and impact and scratch resistant. SMI